Monuments to visit Channel Islands

This dolmen is one of the best preserved on the Island of Jersey, although the burial mound which covered this Neolithic burial site has disappeared. It dates from approximately 4500 BC. The huge flat stone that sits at the end of the chamber (which is actually double, which is very unusual) is thought to weigh over 24 tonnes. It was discovered and excavated between 1839 and 1868. And the dolmen inspired Victor Hugo for his poem Nomen, numen, lumen written in 1855, during his exile in Jersey.

Located at the end of a small winding road, Le Couperon is a burial chamber. Dating from 2400 B.C., this megalithic site is a covered walkway about 7 meters long and surrounded by an enclosure of raised stones (18 pieces supporting covering tables) in the center of which stands a dolmen 8 meters high. This ensemble is in a very good state of conservation. It was discovered in 1868. It can be the object of a nice walk and a beautiful point of view, a little lost in the North-East of Jersey.

Noirmont Point is the southernmost point on the island of Jersey. Beyond its superb view, this promontory is also a War Museum. This open-air spot, displays heavy artillery pieces from various eras. The promontory also bears three observation towers built by the Germans during the Second World War, as well as the Lothringen artillery battery. The latter was part of the famous Atlantic Wall, the set of coastal fortifications built by the Third Reich to defend itself.

The Quétivel Mill is a water mill that was built in the 14th century. It was carefully restored by the National Trust for Jersey in 1978. The restoration of the water wheel has made it a living monument to the island's heritage. It is the last one in operation in Jersey. And what about the decor, which seems to come straight out of a children's book illustration? Charming. All around, the woods and meadows of St. Peter's Valley also invite you to take a delightful bucolic stroll.

Les Monts Grantez is a gallery dolmen in the commune of Saint-Ouen. This megalithic monument has been dated to the Middle Neolithic (between 4000 and 3250 BC). If it has lost its main table, it is still relatively imposing. This dolmen was discovered in 1839 and the excavations date back to 1912. Eight skeletons, animal remains and a beautiful variety of pottery were also found. It is a site with a rather intriguing atmosphere. A beautiful mystical walk in perspective, especially if the fog is of the part.

The dolmen of Mont Ubé is a Neolithic corridor tomb. This dolmen dates back to 4000 BC and was discovered and excavated in 1848. At the time of its discovery, we also found vases, tools, axes, a polished stone pendant and... human bones. It is presented as a gallery passage, with lateral niches in the burial chamber. It is today partially destroyed. But prehistory enthusiasts will have to go there to discover what remains of the dolmen. Notice to the amateurs!

It is easily identifiable, thanks to its large white dome that covers the hill overlooking the city center. It was King Edward VI who decided in 1550 that a fort should be built on this strategic hill. The aim was to provide the island with a defensive fort, a place of retreat for the inhabitants in case of invasion. But in the end, it would be a long time before the fort was built, long after the fortresses of Gorey and Elizabeth Castle. The plans for the Regent were drawn up during the Napoleonic Wars (there was a fear of invasion by Napoleon's troops) by John Hambly Humphrey. The beginning of the work was delayed for financial reasons. The fort was nevertheless built between 1806 and 1814 and named Regent, in honor of the Prince Regent of the time who would later become George IV.

The defensive system included towers, batteries, ramparts, arsenals and barracks. All this... for nothing. Because before its completion, the battle of Waterloo put an end to the reign of "the one for whom" the fort had been built: Napoleon. The British troops nevertheless remained there until 1928.

After the departure of the military, the islanders did not know what to do with this immense building that dominates the city. In the 1970s, it was finally transformed into a temple of sports and leisure. Swimming pool, tennis, gym, games, auditorium, etc., and always a beautiful view on the city and the sea. There are also promenades.

The right wing of this building, which houses the States, was built at the end of the 19th century, as was the left wing, which houses, on the first floor, the very interesting session room of the States. It is a small amphitheatre with three rows of seats, a hemicycle with oak panelling. Framed texts are affixed on both sides of the seats. These are the addresses offered to the King of England during his visits to the island. The Jersey Parliament, the States Assembly, administers its own particular affairs in a completely autonomous manner according to age-old traditions. While foreign policy and defence matters are managed by London, the Island can refuse to comply with any measure if it feels its independence and interests are threatened. Like Guernsey, it had refused to become part of the European Union. There was no question of harmonising with other European countries a tax system that had made and still makes it rich. All members of Parliament are elected by universal suffrage for a term of 3 to 6 years, and none of them is expected to represent a political party. The Parliament is composed of 12 representatives of the parishes, 10 senators and 29 deputies. They each participate in the various committees in charge of the different areas of the island's administration. The Lieutenant-Governor and the Legal Advisers are appointed by the Crown. The Bailiff is appointed for life by the King or Queen.

The Royal Court was built later than the State building, in 1856. It sits every two months for criminal trials. The courtroom includes, like ours, a courtroom, boxes for lawyers and clerks, and a gallery for the public. However, there was also a bench for the lords, as a result of the feudal system.

Two sessions are very important for the perpetuation of the feudal system of the island, the Assises d'Héritage (the Thursday following May 4 and the Thursday preceding October 11), because the lords of the manors of each parish must "appear": if the holder of the fiefdom fails to answer the call 4 times, the fiefdom is confiscated for the benefit of the king. On the fateful day, all the lords took their places on the bench. The Court was presided over by the Bailiff, assisted by 12 jurats. The island's lieutenant-governor was also present with his entire staff. Halberdiers stood guard. The attorney general then calls out the names of the fiefs. Each lord rose in turn and replied, "I keep my day," reaffirming his allegiance to the Duke of Normandy. The bishop of Coutances and the abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel were then called. This time, it was the lieutenant-governor who answered. No lord has ever failed to answer the call and it will be so until the end of time. If you are passionate about this institution, read Roger Vercel's excellent book(Les Iles Anglo-Normandes, Albin Michel, 1956). His descriptions of the ceremonies are a delight!

This is a beautiful fortress(Stutzpunkt Rotenstein by its German name) dating from the time of the German occupation (and renovated since) which was supposed to guard the north of Vazon Bay as part of the Atlantic Wall. To the north, you will see the Martello Tower built in 1804. It is still possible to see remains of the original red granite fort. An interesting visit to imagine the living conditions of the Germans in a bunker.

There does not remain about it today more large-thing, but this fortress has a long history. Only the thick walls today are recognized. Its initial interest was to sit enthroned in the center of an island placed strategically well. This island is not today any more, water were driven out. The hill of the island was seems it occupied since the iron age with a fort going back to 600 av. J. - C. the medieval fort goes back him to 1400. Hutments were added to the 18th century (for the wars vis-a-vis the French) before being destroyed by the Germans in 1945.

Both a fortress and a three-story watchtower (which offers a superb view of the coastline from its top), the imposing Rousse Tower was built in the 19th century to defend the island of Guernsey from a possible French invasion and has since been fully restored and is equipped with replicas of five cannons. Even if today it is closed to the public for rehabilitation, one can take advantage of a walk in this beautiful corner of the island to have a look at it from the outside. Before you can enjoy it again.

Located at the place called L'Ancresse, this dolmen is a place of worship of 12 meters in length which also dates from the Middle Neolithic period (around 4500 years B.C.). Discovered in 1977, the tumulus, delimited by granite blocks and dry stone walls, has been partly reconstructed. During the excavations, more than 35,000 remains were found on the site, such as flints, ornaments, tools and numerous pieces of pottery. Some of these remains are on display at the Guernsey Museum in St. Peter Port.

North of the Fouaillages, at the top of a small hill overlooking Pembroke Bay, the dolmen of La Varde is a remarkable megalithic structure. It is a covered walkway dating from the Neolithic era, 11 meters long and one of the most impressive on the island. It was discovered in 1811 and dates back to 2500 BC. During the excavations, human bones, flints, stone tools and numerous pieces of pottery were also discovered. A site that we strongly advise to discover during a walk.

Located at the place called Catioroc, the dolmen of Trépied is a corridor tomb, with a V shape. Even today, it is well preserved although almost buried, situated in a very beautiful setting on a hillock perched above the Perelle Bay. A legend tells that in the 17th century, the witches and magicians of the island of Guernsey used to meet there regularly to celebrate their black masses, which usually took place on Fridays at night. The dolmen dates back to the beginning of the Neolithic period.

Rebuilt after being destroyed by a storm, the site of Perelle Battery, a short distance from Fort Richmond, is interesting because it shows how, at the beginning of the 18th century, the oldest military batteries (it was built in 1816) were reinforced for a better protection of the island of Guernsey. Perelle Battery has two twenty-pound cannons. It can in any case be the object of a nice walk on a nice day. And the panorama offered by this historical site is superb.

Here are the remains of a small fort at the southern end of Rocquaine Bay. It was built as early as 1680 on a rocky promontory protected by large stone walls and enlarged as time went on. The fort was extensively restored in 1842 and retained its three cannons overlooking Rocquaine Bay at the southwestern end of the island. It was therefore part of the last major works undertaken on the coast in the 19th century, as the southeast coast is naturally protected by high cliffs. A very pleasant stop during a walk in the area.

A small building that is a must see! The Sark prison, built in 1856 at the end of The Avenue, has two small cells of about 5^m2, which are usually empty. But in a serious case, anyone who has broken the law can be locked up for 48 hours. The constable and his assistant, the "vingtenier", have the power of incarceration. After 48 hours, the prisoner is either released or transferred to Guernsey. It is notably known as the smallest prison in the world still in operation.

Also called Ivy Castle by the islanders, this 13th century castle was one of the first defenses of Guernsey. It stands a little behind Belle Grève Bay. Fallen into ruin in the 14th century, it was restored during the 18th century and used by the Germans as a bunker during the Occupation. They installed an anti-aircraft battery there. After the liberation of the islands, it was largely restored again in the 1970s. It is now classified as a historical monument by the States of Guernsey, the island's parliament.

This fort was conceived at the end of the 18th century, in 1780 to replace Castle Cornet which had become very vulnerable to the technical progress of artillery at that time. Fort George ensured the defense of the harbor of Saint-Peter-Port and Guernsey from the beginning of the 19th century. Located on the heights of the main town of the island, it also had a choice location. And today it offers a superb view of the Guernsey coastline.

Property of the De Sausmarez family for eight centuries, this 18th century manor house has been remodeled many times. The visit of the hall and 3 rooms allows to admire family portraits, furniture, tapestries and various objects of the period. In the garden, where subtropical plants grow, sculptures by international artists are exhibited. Other activities include a garden tour, a children's train, exhibitions, a local market, miniature golf, stores, a children's playground and the Tea Garden. Two apartments are also available for rent.

The bay, very easy to approach, and its small harbor were protected by this large tower located on the heights of the coastline, and which was supposed to prevent the enemy from entering the lands of Guernsey. The tower is still standing today and in a fairly good state of preservation. The tower is open to tourists from time to time and tours are organized by volunteers. Find out more on the Guernsey Museums website or on the Facebook profile of Saints Bay Loop Tower 14. Notice to all old stones lovers!

The states meet on the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month, except in August. To attend a session, contact the tourist office. The Royal Court House was built in Chausey granite in 1799, then enlarged in 1822 and 1904. It is the seat of the Guernsey Parliament and the Court House. It also serves as the Bailiff's office and the RegistryOffice. The Registry Office (visit upon request) holds a valuable collection of documents.

On the site of an ancient menhir, and on the very site of the mill of L'Hyvreuse, here is a tower with beautiful lines was built to commemorate the visit to Guernsey of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1846. The Victoria Tower was designed by a certain William Colling and built by Matthieu and Jacques Tostevin. You can climb to the top of the tower by its stairs and from there you will have a very nice panoramic view of the lower town of St. Peter Port, but also of the small islands of Herm and Sark.